Diarrhoea is the passing of increased amounts of loose stool. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria and can be short term or long term lasting more than two to three weeks.
Diarrhoea is an infection usually due to consumption of contaminated drinking water, undercooked meat, eggs or other improperly processed foods and occurs when micro-organisms irritate the mucus membranes of the small or large intestine resulting in an abnormally large quantity of water in that area. The irritated gut becomes very active, contracting excessively and irregularly. Diarrhoea is often accompanied by stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.
Prevention
- Avoid possibly contaminated places since bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from person to person.
- Avoid possibly contaminated food and water.
- Keep clean using soap and water especially after using the toilet.
Applied nutrition
- It is tempting to suppress diarrhea using drugs but the body is often just reacting to an infection of the gut and trying to eliminate the harmful bacteria or viruses in that area. Suppression with drugs may help the harmful elements reside in the body for longer, causing further damage.
- Avoid suppression unless the diarrhoea is prolonged.
- Keep hydrated with purified water.
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Necessary to repair mucus membranes in the intestines. | 1 scoop, 3x daily |
| Calcium + magnesium | To replace depleted calcium. Aids in forming shaped stool. Regulates proper muscular contraction of the intestines. Promotes pH balance. | 3 tabs, 2x daily |
| B Complex | Aids in proper digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Garlic + licorice | Destroys harmful bacteria and parasites in the colon. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Vitamin C + bioflavonoids | Cleanses and heals. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |